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Azithromycin 500mg Used For Chlamydia

Does Azithromycin Work For Chlamydia

Azithromycin for C. pneumoniae infection causing CAD – Video abstract: 31625

Azithromycin works to treat genital chlamydia in both men and women by stopping the bacteria from multiplying.

Studiessuggest that a one-gram dosage has 97% efficacy.

That means that for every 100 people who take azithromycin to treat chlamydia, 97 will be cured and three will not be cured.

In order to effectively treat chlamydial infections, azithromycin should be taken as prescribed and until the dosage is completed.

Ending the medication early increases the chance that the bacteria will not be completely killed off.

Can Amoxicillin Cure Std Super Infections

So far, weve been talking about the standard, run-of-the-mill case of STDs thats common in millions of people. Unfortunately, there is a new common threat. The World Health Organization recently reported that certain STDs, including gonorrhea, has been growing more resilient to the antibiotics weve been discussing, such as amoxicillin, which are usually used to eradicate it.

One of the likely causes of this advanced super gonorrhea is the fact that people often dont finish their antibiotics. Will Amoxicillin Cure Gonorrhea? Sure, most of the time. But you need to complete your medication, even if your symptoms seem to disappear. Stopping too early can allow bacteria to continue to grow and mutate. This can result in the infection coming back, or becoming far more dangerous.

This new super gonorrhea is much harder to stop. In some severe cases, it is incurable. Most bacteria will eventually evolve, developing resistances against specific antibiotics over time. Unfortunately, that includes amoxicillin. So while amoxicillin can currently usually treat gonorrhea, it will become less effective against strains of super gonorrhea in the future.

Extended Doses May Improve Treatment Efficacy

It is likely that higher doses and/or extended-dose regimens of antimicrobials will improve treatment efficacy, by increasing fT> MIC and Cmax, decreasing Tmax and increasing the overall AUC, thereby increasing the time the tissue concentrations are above the MIC for the organism. For example, higher doses of azithromycin have been reported to be more effective at treating MG,, NG, and CT. In designing extended-dose regimens, it is important to ensure a balance between maximizing patient compliance with short courses, minimizing side effects by limiting any single dose and maximizing effectiveness. It has been demonstrated that for any given total dose of azithromycin, administration as a single or a short course provides similar or better outcomes compared with the same total dose given over a longer period. Data also show that higher systemic exposure of azithromycin was obtained when a total dose of 1.5g was given over 3days instead of 5days . Additionally, exposure in the first 24h was 3-fold higher following a single 2g azithromycin dose compared with a single 500mg dose . Animal studies also report that front-end azithromycin dosing produced superior rates of bacterial clearance. These data suggest that the higher the first dose , the greater the systemic exposure of azithromycin in the first 24h and thus the likelihood that the treatment will be more efficacious.

Read Also: Can You Catch Chlamydia From Oral

How Do I Take Azithromycin

You will need a valid prescription from a doctor for you to purchase this medicine. Make sure to read the enclosed patient information leaflet and follow the advice of your doctor.

Take the tablet orally and then drink with water. It can be taken with or without food intake. The dosage usually depends on your condition. Read the medicine leaflet or follow the doctors prescription. Azithromycin is not recommended to those under 45kg.

If you have taken more Azithromycin than what is prescribed to you, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital. Symptoms of overdose include a loss of hearing, feeling sick or being sick, and diarrhoea. Hospital admission may be necessary in case of an overdose.

If you forget to take Azithromycin, you may take it as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if the next tablet is almost due. If you skip a dose, you should still finish all the tablets. Do not take a double dose for the missed tablet.

Do not stop taking the antibiotic earlier than what is prescribed by the doctor. Discuss with your doctor if you want to stop. If you stop too soon, there is a possibility that the infection may return.

What Does The Research Say

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A large 2012 cohort study found a small increase in the risk of cardiovascular death among people taking azithromycin. The risk was higher among those with other risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, low physical activity levels, and a high body mass index .

The study reported that when compared with amoxicillin, there were 47 additional cardiovascular deaths per 1 million azithromycin prescriptions. Among people with the highest risk of heart disease, there were 245 more deaths per 1 million courses of azithromycin.

This suggests that other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, may be a safer option for people with heart disease or certain types of heart arrythmias.

In 2018 , the FDA issued a warning about the long term use of azithromycin in people with certain blood or lymph node cancers who have stem cell transplants. Emerging research has suggested that azithromycin may increase the risk of cancer relapse in these people.

Following a stem cell transplant, some people take azithromycin to reduce the risk of an inflammatory lung condition called bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. The FDA have not approved azithromycin for this use, however.

Rarely, azithromycin can cause liver toxicity. People should stop taking the drug and call their doctor if they develop any symptoms of liver problems, including dark urine, itching, or yellow eyes.

Read Also: What Does Chlamydia Feel Like For A Woman

Long Term Complications Of Chlamydia In Males

In men, chlamydia can be diagnosed from a urine test / swab, even if you have no symptoms. In 50% of men who test positive, chlamydia symptoms are absent. However if untreated, because chlamydia also causes inflammation in the male genital tract, this may result in the following.

  • Urethritis pain within the penis and on passing urine, often with discharge
  • Epididymo-orchitis painful, swollen testicles
  • Prostatitis a painful, swollen, prostate gland
  • Chlamydial infection also affects male fertility. Semen is poorer quality, and as it is packed full of inflammatory cells, sperm are less ability to swim freely.

Azithromycin Vs Other Antibiotics

Azithromycin treats many of the same infections that drugs such as penicillin and amoxicillin can treat.

A doctor may prescribe azithromycin as an alternative to other antibiotics because it typically requires a shorter course. It is also a good option for people with a history of allergies to other medications, or when other antibiotics do not work.

Because the risk of heart health problems is higher with azithromycin than with some other antibiotics, people with heart disease or arrhythmias should ask their doctor about trying a different antibiotic.

Read Also: Why Is My Chlamydia Not Going Away

Urethritis Due To Gonorrhea Or Chlamydia

You have urethritis. This is an inflammation in the urethra. The urethra is the tube between the bladder and the tip of the penis. Urine drains out of the body through the urethra. There are 2 main types of this condition:

  • Gonococcal urethritis . This is an infection caused by gonorrhea.

  • Nongonococcal urethritis . This is an infection that is often caused by chlamydia. Other infections can also be the cause.

Men are more likely to have symptoms, but may not. Symptoms can start within 1 week after exposure to an infection. But they can take a month or more to appear. Or they may not even occur. Some symptoms are:

  • Burning or pain when urinating

  • Irritation in the penis

  • Pus discharge from the penis

  • Pain and possible swelling in one or both testicles

Infections in the urethra are often caused by a sexually transmitted infection . The most common STIs are gonorrhea, chlamydia, or both.

Gonococcal urethritis is an infection of the urethra. Its caused by gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection . Gonorrhea can also be in other areas of the body. This can cause:

  • Rectal pain and discharge

  • Throat infection

  • Eye infections

Without treatment, the infection can get worse and spread to other parts of your body. The infection can cause rashes, arthritis, and infections in your joints, heart, and brain.

Read Also: What Dosage Of Azithromycin Is Used To Treat Chlamydia

Side Effects Of Zithromax

Azithromycin

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Zithromax. Like other medicines, Zithromax can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Do not be alarmed by the following list of side effects. You may not experience any of them.

While taking it

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • Oral thrush white, furry, sore tongue and mouth
  • Vaginal thrush sore and itchy vagina and/or white discharge
  • Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
  • Altered taste and smell.

These side effects are usually mild.

See your doctor immediately and before you take your next dose of Zithromax if you notice any of the following:

  • Severe persistent diarrhoea
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Symptoms of sunburn such as redness, itching, swelling or blistering which may occur more quickly than normal
  • Hives, itching or skin rash
  • Widespread body rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes
  • Aggressive reaction, nervousness, agitation or anxiety
  • Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, reddish or purplish blotches under the skin
  • Signs of frequent or worrying infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
  • Dark urine or blood in the urine or bowel motions
  • Severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting.

After finishing it

Also Check: What Is Late Stage Chlamydia

How Much Is Azithromycin Needed To Cure Chlamydia

Azithromycin for chlamydia treatment, a 1 gram dose is recommended. This dose can be taken in the morning or evening, with or without having food. Zithromax is another name for Azithromycin.

If you have taken a dose of Azithromycin on an empty stomach and have some upset stomach or nausea, you can eat well to help solve the problem.

To treat chlamydia, azithromycin 500mg is not a choice of health professionals. It also surges the threat of becoming resistant to C trichomoniasis bacteria. If you only take or prescribe 500 mg azithromycin, you should return to your doctor to prescribe a 1 g dose. It would help if you never shared the dose of Azithromycin with anyone else.

Read Also: Free Chlamydia Testing San Antonio

Drug Treatment Of Common Stds: Part Ii Vaginal Infections Pelvic Inflammatory Disease And Genital Warts

CAROL WOODWARD, PHARM.D., West Virginia University Hospitals, Morgantown, West Virginia West Virginia

MELANIE A. FISHER, M.D., M.SC., University, Morgantown, West Virginia

Am Fam Physician. 1999 Oct 15 60:1716-1722.

This is Part II of a two-part article on drug treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. Part I, Herpes, Syphilis, Urethritis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, appeared in the October 1 issue .

This article focuses on vaginal infections, pelvic inflammatory disease and genital warts, with brief mention of proctitis, enteritis and ectoparasitic infections. It should be noted that vaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis are included in the following discussion, although these infections are not sexually transmitted. They are frequently diagnosed at the same time as sexually transmitted diseases , however, and the treatments often overlap.

Also Check: How Do You Know If You Have Chlamydia Men

Drug Treatment Of Common Stds: Part I Herpes Syphilis Urethritis Chlamydia And Gonorrhea

CAROL WOODWARD, PHARM.D., West Virginia University Hospitals, Morgantown, West Virginia

MELANIE A. FISHER, M.D., M.SC., West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia

Am Fam Physician. 1999 Oct 1 60:1387-1394.

This is Part I of a two-part article on drug treatment of common sexually transmitted diseases. Part II, Vaginal Infections, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Genital Warts, will appear in the next issue of AFP.

Several advances have been made in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases . These advances have been incorporated into the 1998 Guidelines for the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .1

Highly effective single-dose oral therapies are now available for most common curable STDs. Single-dose regimens may be used for the treatment of chancroid, nongonococcal urethritis, uncomplicated gonococcal infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, candidal vaginitis and chlamydial infections.

Improved therapies are now available for the treatment of genital herpes and human papillomavirus infections. New regimens have been approved for the use of acyclovir in the treatment of genital herpes. In addition, two new antiviral agents, valacyclovir and famciclovir , have been labeled for the treatment of genital herpes. Patient-applied therapies are now recommended for management of HPV.

Where You Can Get Chlamydia Treatment From

Buy Azithromycin Online

Ideally, you should always get tested and treated for STIs in person.

The recommended place to get tested and treated for chlamydia and other STIs is at a genitourinary medicine clinic. They provide specialist services in this particular area, and can also provide assistance to patients who need to notify their partners. Following testing, those requiring treatment for chlamydia will be advised to return to the clinic, where they will be issued a prescription for the medication they need by a healthcare professional. This can then be dispensed at any chemist.

A GP will strongly advise someone who thinks they may have an STI to go to a GUM clinic. However, in cases where a person is either unable or unwilling to go to a GUM clinic, a GP practice may be able to offer testing and treatment.

People who are unable to attend a consultation in person at their GUM clinic or GP can also access testing and treatment services online. Self-testing kits are available to buy from online pharmacies, and many of these platforms also offer remote consultations with practising doctors. These doctors can then prescribe treatment in cases where someone has a positive test result, or again if the patient is experiencing symptoms which strongly point towards chlamydia.

It is not possible to purchase self-testing kits or chlamydia treatment from our online service.

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What Happens If Chlamydia Is Left Untreated

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to more serious health problems.

In people assigned female at birth, untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease , a condition which can scar the fallopian tubes and lead to infertility.

Chlamydia can also be passed on to babies during birth if the parent has the infection while pregnant.

In people assigned male at birth, untreated chlamydia can cause epididymitis, an infection in the prostate gland, and male chlamydial urethritis.

How And When To Take It

Azithromycin is usually taken once a day, unless you’re having it by injection. Try to take your medicine at the same time each day.

The usual dose is 500mg a day for 3 to 10 days depending on the infection being treated.

For some infections, you’ll be given a one-off higher dose of 1g or 2g.

The dose may be lower for children or if you have liver or kidney problems.

Azithromycin is sometimes prescribed long term to prevent chest infections if you keep getting them. In this case, it’s usually taken 3 times a week, often on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Also Check: How Quickly Does Chlamydia Show Up

Condom Use During The Treatment Period

  • Avoid having sex without a condom during treatment because the infection can still be transmitted. Use condoms for 7 days after the start of treatment and until 7 days after all current sexual contacts have been treated.
  • If you are on a combined oral contraceptive pill, use a condom for 14 days when having sex, as antibiotics can affect the reliability of the contraceptive pill.

After completing the treatment, phone your doctor or return to the clinic for a follow-up after 3 months to check you have not been re-infected.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Azithromycin For Chlamydia

AZITHROMYCIN 500 mg ð Antibiotic: What is it for, how to use, dose, warnings, side effects

Yes, you may drink a small amount of alcohol while you are taking azithromycin but there is a chance large amounts of alcohol may increase the gastrointestinal side effects of azithromycin, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, or flatulence. Too much alcohol with azithromycin may also give you a headache.

Because azithromycin is usually taken as a one-off dose, drinking alcohol is unlikely to stop azithromycin from curing chlamydia.

Read Also: Can You Have Chlamydia And Not Know

Do I Need To Have A Test To Check That The Chlamydia Has Gone

If you take the treatment according to the instructions, you wont usually need a test to check the chlamydia has gone.

If youre aged under 25, you should be offered a repeat test 3 months after finishing the treatment. This is because youre at a higher risk of getting chlamydia again.

Whatever your age, you may need a repeat test or more treatment if:

  • you think youve come into contact with chlamydia again
  • you had sex without a condom with a partner before the treatment for both of you was finished
  • you didnt complete the treatment or didnt take it according to the instructions
  • the signs and symptoms dont go away
  • your test was negative but you develop signs or symptoms of chlamydia
  • youre pregnant.

A repeat test can be done 56 weeks after the first test.

If the chlamydia was in your rectum , you may need another test around 3 weeks after finishing the treatment. Your doctor, nurse or clinic will let you know if you need another test.

You can go back to the doctor, nurse or clinic if you have any questions or need advice on how to protect yourself from infection in the future.

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